Neonate medical wraps for a baby and parent, and related methods

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a neonate medical wrap. In one embodiment, the neonate medical wrap is a wrap-style baby carrier that is particularly useful during the first 28 days after the baby&#39;s birth. Generally, the disclosed neonate medical wrap comprises a torso wrap and a shoulder strap. In use, the torso wrap and shoulder strap may be outfitted around the torso of a parent and, via a side opening, a baby may be installed against the parent&#39;s skin under the torso wrap. The shoulder strap may be provided over the shoulder of the parent to assist in supporting the baby&#39;s weight while standing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/US2018/41470 (filed Jul. 10, 2018) and entitled “Neonate medicalwraps for a baby and parent, and related method,” which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/591,802(filed May 10, 2017) and entitled “Neonate medical wraps for a baby andparent, and related methods,” which document is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATED BYREFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL ON THE COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINTINVENTOR

Reserved for a later date, if necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The disclosed subject matter is in the field of neonate wraps andrelated methods.

Background of the Invention

Recent statistics indicate that newborn babies are dropped by parents,midwifes, or hospital staff at a rate of twenty-two (22) times for everynineteen-thousand (19,000) births. Increases in newborn baby illnessesor diseases, like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and other hospital-acquiredinfections (i.e., nosocomial infections), have also been reported inrecent years. Some have suggested that increased popularity ofskin-to-skin newborn care techniques (sometimes called Kangaroo carebecause of skin-to-skin techniques' resemblance to the marsupials'newborn in-pouch treatment techniques) are to blame for increased babydrops and infections.

Placing the blame of increased use of skin-to-skin techniques onincreased newborn disease and increased injury is rational. Skin-to-skintechniques necessarily involve the handoff of newborns between parentsand staff, holding of newborns by inexperienced or untrained parents,and contact of the newborn with the sometimes unclean skin of an adult.So, a need exists for improvements to apparatus and related methods foraccomplishing skin-to-skin newborn baby care.

Description of Related Art

The prior patent documents that are known can be described as follows:

-   U.S. Pat. No. 0,002,237 by Cook circa 1841 shows suspenders for    holding pantaloons so that the torso of a wearer is covered;-   U.S. Pat. No. 0,336,413 by Karp circa 1886 discloses a corset is    shown to wrap around the torso of a wearer and that features a    plurality of connectors;-   U.S. Pat. No. 3,229,873 by Hershman circa 1966 discloses a “child    carrier;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 3,443,066 by Weibel circa 1969 discloses a “heated    outdoor garment;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,467 by Baldwin circa 1978 discloses a    “parent-child coat;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,067 by Velasco circa 1978 shows a “shirt” for    two people in contact;-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,102 by Curtis et al. circa 1988 discloses an    “inner-pocketed two person jacket;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,612 by Middleton circa 1991 discloses a “cape    for a nursing mother;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,725 by Shatzkin et al. circa 1999 discloses an    “adult infant bonding garment;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,655 by Parewick circa 2000 discloses a    “combination baby carrier and seat harness apparatus;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,727 by Leach circa 2002 discloses a “one-piece    baby carrier;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,750 by Hunter circa 2002 discloses an “infant    carrier covering;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,885 by Schüler circa 2002 discloses a “process    for operating an incubator” during Kangaroo Care;-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,770 by Odiwo circa 2005 discloses an “infant    nurturing medical device,” where the device enables Kangaroo Care    “in the absence of biological parents;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,372 by Stockard circa 2007 discloses an    “infant-supporting privacy nursing apron;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,260,852 by Sheetz circa 2007 discloses a “wraparound    swimsuit;”-   U.S. Pat. No. 8,491,555 by Bracci circa 2013 discloses an    “absorbency pad for use in neonatal care and related methods of    use,” wherein nano silver fibers are mentioned in the document;-   U.S. Pat. No. 8,973,793 by Aryan circa 2015 discloses an “infant    support garment;”-   U.S. D 574,579 by Kang circa 2008 discloses the look and appearance    of a “shirt;”-   U.S. D 672,137 by Jackson circa 2012 discloses an “infant care    garment;”-   U.S. D 742,630 by Mullins circa 2015 discloses a “baby sleep    support;”-   US20060206978 by Hilton et al. circa 2006 discloses “medical    garments for assisting in skin-to-skin holding of infants in    neonatal intensive care units;”-   US20080149674 by Hiniduma-Lokuge circa 2008 discloses an “infant    carrier;”-   US20090285872 by Labelle circa 2009 discloses an “amphibious carrier    and method of manufacturing;”-   US20130291279 by Jensen et al. circa 2013 discloses “garments and    method for carrying a baby to provide skin-to-skin contact;”-   US20140283277 by Wilhelm circa 2014 discloses a “medical wrap for    neonatal kangaroo care;”-   CN204379553U by    circa 2015 discloses a “baby care device;” and,-   CN202588350U by    circa 2012 discloses “silver fiber baby clothes.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary impetus for the neonate medical wrap is the problem of babydrops at hospitals that implement skin-to-skin (baby's skin on mother'sskin) neonatal care. In addition to baby drops, the wrap is designed toprotect against cases of MRSA, VRE and nosocomial infections are alsoproblematic during skin-to-skin infant care. In view of the foregoing,disclosed is a neonate medical wrap. In one embodiment, the neonatemedical wrap is a wrap-style baby carrier that is particularly usefulduring the first 28 days after the baby's birth.

In a preferred embodiment, the neonate medical wrap comprises a torsosleeve and a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap and torso sleevegenerally form concentric fabric loops or tubes and are joined along amutual opening down the side of the tube. In a preferred embodiment, theopening is selectively closeable via a zipper and features at least one(e.g., two) secondary clasp for added stability of the closed opening.In use, the torso sleeve and shoulder strap may be outfitted around thetorso of a parent and, via the side opening, a baby may be installedagainst the parent's skin under the sleeve. The shoulder strap may beprovided over the shoulder of the parent to assist in supporting thebaby's weight while standing and, as a result, enable hands freeskin-to-skin carrying of the baby inside the torso sleeve supported bythe shoulder strap. Suitably, the torso sleeve can feature patternedcompression threading for compressing arms and legs of the baby and forsupporting the parents abdomen and back during use. Finally, the wrapsuitably includes fibers that are bonded with a layer of 99% puremetallic silver threading knitted throughout to reduce the risk ofinfectious illnesses, including by inhibiting the growth of bacteria onthe wrap.

The neonate medical wrap may suitably reduce any risk of infant injury,reduce risk of infant illness, and facilitate safe skin-to-skin or otherhands-free coddling of the baby. Preferably, the wrap goes around thetorso of a parent and features an opening on the side for easy babyinstallation into the wrap. Once installed inside the wrap, the baby(i.e., front of the baby) is suitably compressed against the parent.Compression may be facilitated via use of compression threading.Suitably, the wrap has a secondary strap or sling mechanism for addedsupport and carrying security.

Suitably, the disclosed neonate medical wrap may be used in at least thefollowing four (4) situations: 1. by a parent after vaginal delivery ofa newborn baby; 2. by a parent after delivery of a baby via CesareanSection (“C-section”); 3. by a parent while a baby is treated in aneonatal intensive care unit of a hospital; and 4. by a parent at homeand a post-hospital setting. In a first example, immediately prior tovaginal delivery of a baby, a nurse or midwife may assist themother-to-be in outfitting the neonate medical wrap prior to you startto child-birth so that the newborn baby may be quickly placed inside thewrap against the mothers skin. In a second example, before a C-section,a nurse or midwife may assist a mother-to-be in outfitting the wrapafter a spinal anesthesia has been placed on the mother-to-be.Elaborating on the second example, the wrap may be placed on thedelivery table so that, after the spinal anesthesia is placed and themother-to-be laid down on table, the nurse or midwife may place the wrapon the mother. In both examples, early positioning of the wrap on themother-to-be enables the wrap to acclimate to her body temperaturewhereby (after the baby is born, its umbilical cord is clamped, and itsskin is wiped down) the garment can be partially uninstalled to placethe newborn baby against the mother. In a third example, the wrap may beused in the NICU as well for kangaroo care. Continuing the thirdexample, the garment can enable placement of the baby on a parent'supper chest while any medical tubes, lines, or other equipment can bemanaged while attached to the baby. It should be noted that the 99% puremetallic silver threading may be especially good in the NICU since thechance of contracting MRSA, VRE and nosocomial infections double afterbeing treated in the NICU. In a fourth example, the neonate medical wrapcan be used in the home after delivery of the baby, including afterdelivery for the first twenty-eight (28) days while the baby is in theneonate phase. In a preferred mode the baby may be in the range ofweight between four (4) and fourteen (14) pounds (lbs).

Suitably, a baby will suitably be positioned with its body is fullyaligned with the parents body on his or her chest (e.g., in a froglegged position where the baby's arms on its sides). In a preferredpositioning, the baby is front-to-front (e.g., chest-to-chest) with theparent. In one embodiment, the baby's cheek may be positioned on theparent's chest in a position proximate to the parents chin and lips sothat the parent is able to bend his or her neck down and kiss the baby'sforehead. The secondary strap or sling may suitably be wrapped aroundthe parent's torso or wrapped over the parent's shoulder for addedsupport while sitting or lying in bed. While the baby is installed, theparent can suitably relax and recover in a substantially hands freemanner while maintaining skin-to-skin contact with the baby atsubstantially all times.

Suitably, the wrap may also be worn in a standing position. Initially,after the wrap is outfitted as described above, a parent may tuck theirarm into the shoulder strap to allow the shoulder strap to slide up thearm and over half of the shoulder. Preferably, the bottom part of theshoulder strap will support the underneath of the baby's buttocks andback. In one embodiment, the baby's weight can be well distributedacross parent's back to maintain excellent posture and support withoutcausing strain. Such positioning of the wrap can suitably enable aparent to walk freely with both hands substantially free, as well as (inthe case of a mother) maintain proper post-pregnancy posture until herbody has time to recover. Such positioning of the wrap can also allow aparent to have both hands substantially free to catch the baby in caseof falls or to block projectile objects from contact with the baby.Suitably, a parent and baby can co-sleep (i.e., sleep together) in a bedwhere the wrap can prevent baby falls or baby suffocation from thebedding. A lactating parent can also breastfeed while wearing thegarment.

In another embodiment, the wrap may be worn in order to harness andrestrain a newborn during ambulance transports while the material of thewrap exhibits antimicrobial/anti-odor properties, thermoregulatoryproperties to help reduce the risk of hypothermia, 4-way stretchproperties that absorb energy from impacts in conjunction with theimpact mitigation provided by the mother's chest, and support for thenewborn's head and neck. The wrap also permits tubes/lines to passthrough to the baby so as not to hinder medical treatment duringtransport. Such positioning of the baby to the mother enabled by thewrap during ambulance transports minimizes the risk of injury andprovides close proximity for a transport team to assess and continuallymonitor mother and newborn during transport. Suitably, the wrap supportsthe newborn limbs close to the torso in a frog-legged naturalanatomical/in utero position while leaving the newborn's face visible sothat the mother and transport tam can easily monitor breathing. Further,the harnessing of the newborn by the wrap eliminates a separatetransport alternative, a practice that is clinically proven to causeemotional distress.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objectives of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilledin the art once the invention has been shown and described. The mannerin which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can beobtained is explained in the following description and attached figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a wrap 1000 ina closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the wrap 1000 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 3;

FIG. 5 is a left-side view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 6;

FIG. 8 is an environmental view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 8, where astrap 1500 is unfurled;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 9, where thestrap 1500 is unfurled;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 10, where thewrap 1000 is being opened via a zipper 1600;

FIG. 12 is a zoom-in view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 11 thatshows 99% pure metallic silver threading 1900;

FIG. 13 is another zoom-in of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 11 thatshows compression threading 1800;

FIG. 14 is an environmental view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 13,where the strap 1500 is around the torso of a parent 2000;

FIG. 15 is another environmental view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1through 13, where the strap 1500 is over the shoulder of the parent2000;

FIG. 16 is yet another environmental view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1through 13, where the strap 1500 is around the torso of the parent 2000while the baby 3000 is positioned in a frog pose;

FIG. 17A is a zoom-in of a baby 3000 in the wrap 1000,

FIG. 17B is an inside view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 17A; and

FIG. 18 is another environmental view of the wrap 1000 is use duringambulance and emergency medical transportation.

In the figures, the following components are represented by thecorresponding reference numerals:

-   neonate medical wrap—1000;-   torso sleeve—1100;-   lower rim—1200;-   upper rim—1300;-   sweat band—1310-   band—1400;-   hook clasp—1410;-   loop clasp—1420;-   strap/sling—1500;-   upper shoulder strap rim—1510;-   lower shoulder strap rim—1520-   pocket—1550;-   pocket opening—1551;-   pocket opening zipper 1552;-   opening/zipper—1600;-   zipper cover—1610;-   compression threading—1800;-   silver threading—1900;-   parent—2000; and,-   baby—3000.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by thosereasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are notnecessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed is a neonate medical wrap. In one embodiment, the neonatemedical wrap is a wrap-style baby carrier that is particularly usefulduring the first 28 days after the baby's birth. Generally, thedisclosed neonate medical wrap comprises a torso wrap and a shoulderstrap. In use, the torso wrap and shoulder strap may be outfitted aroundthe torso of a parent and, via a side opening, a baby may be installedagainst the parent's skin under the torso wrap. The shoulder strap maybe provided over the shoulder of the parent to assist in supporting thebaby's weight while standing. The more specific aspects of the disclosedneonate wrap are disclosed in connection with the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a wrap 1000 ina closed configuration. FIGS. 2 through 7 are the orthogonal views ofthe wrap 1000. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a front view of the wrap 1000;FIG. 3 is a rear view of the wrap 1000; FIG. 4 is a right-side view ofthe wrap 1000; FIG. 5 is a left-side view of the wrap 1000; FIG. 6 is atop view of the wrap 1000; and, FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the wrap 1000of FIGS. 1 through 6. FIG. 9 is a front view and FIG. 10 is a rear viewof the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 7, where the strap 1500 is unfurled(i.e., not joined as shown in FIGS. 1 through 7 so that the inside ofthe strap 1500 and outside of the sleeve 1100 can be seen.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, 9 and 10, the neonate medical wrap 1000comprises: a torso sleeve 1100 and a shoulder strap 1500. The shoulderstrap 1500 and torso sleeve 1100 generally form concentric fabric loopsor tubes and are joined along a mutual opening 1600 down the side of theconjoined concentric tubes that defines the wrap 1000 (see FIG. 1). Thetube formed by the sleeve 1100 features an upper rim 1300 and a lowerrim 1200; the tube formed by the shoulder strap features an upper rim1510 and a lower rim 1520. The shoulder strap 1500 features a pocket1550 (seen best in FIG. 9) with a zippered 1552 opening 1551 for theretention of various baby related items (e.g., a binky (not shown) orface wipe (not shown)). As shown, the opening 1600 is preferablyselectively closeable via a zipper 1600 and features a secondary clasp1400 (shown later in FIG. 11 since the secondary clasp 1400 is aninternal component) for added stability of the closed opening 1600. In apreferred embodiment, the zipper head may be locked in place at the toprim 1300 of the sleeve 1100 via a zipper lock 1610 or flap that coversand holds the zipped-up configuration shown in FIG. 1. Suitably, thetorso sleeve 1100 can feature patterned compression threading 1800 forcompressing arms and legs of the baby (FIG. 9) and for supporting theparent's abdomen (FIG. 9) and back (FIG. 10) during use. A zoom-in viewof the compression threading 1800 is shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 8 is an environmental view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 7.FIG. 11 is a side view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 10, where thewrap 1000 is being opened via a zipper 1600. Preferably, the wrap 1000goes around the torso of a parent 2000 and features an opening 1600 onthe side for easy baby 3000 installation into the wrap 1000. As shown inFIGS. 8 and 11, the torso sleeve 1100 and shoulder strap 1500 may beoutfitted around the torso of a parent 2000 and, via the side opening1600, a baby 3000 may be installed against the parent's 2000 skin withinthe sleeve 1100. As shown, the shoulder strap 1500 may be provided overthe baby 3000 for added support and compression. Suitably, the wrap hastwo (2) secondary claps 1400 or band that increases the stability of theopening 1600 so that it is reinforced during use. Suitably, thesecondary clasp may be defined by a band 1400 with a hook clasp 1410 anda loop clasp 1420. Suitably, the secondary claps may be closed bycoupling the hook clasp and loop clasp shown in the blowout circles ofFIG. 11. Once installed inside the wrap, the baby is suitably compressedagainst the parent. Compression may be facilitated via use ofcompression threading 1800 and the back may be supported by the rearcompression threading 1800.

The disclosed neonate medical wrap 1000 may suitably reduce the risk ofinfant 3000 injury, reduce the risk of infant 3000 illness, andfacilitate safe skin-to-skin or other hands-free coddling of the baby3000. To this end, the wrap 1000 may have bonded fibers (includingpermanently bonded fibers) with a layer of 99% pure metallic silverthreading 1900 knitted throughout to reduce the risk of infectiousillnesses. FIG. 12 is a zoom-in view of the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through11 that shows 99% pure metallic silver threading 1900. In a preferredembodiment, the 99% pure metallic sliver threading can be acquired underthe tradename xstatic® silver.

FIGS. 2, 3, and 9 illustrate various preferred dimensions of thedisclosed neonatal medical wrap 1000. Dimension A is a measure from thetop edge 1300 finish to the bottom edge finish 1200 of the sleeve 1100.In preferred embodiments, the dimension A may be fifteen (15) inches,fourteen and one-half (14.5) inches, or fourteen and one-quarter (14.25)inches. Dimension B is a measure from the top edge 1510 to the bottomedge 1520 of the shoulder strap 1500. In preferred embodiments, thedimension B may be seven and one-half (7.5), seven and seven-eighths(7⅞) inches, or eight (8) inches. Dimension C is a measure from theshoulder strap 1500 stitching line straight up to the top edge 1510 ofthe shoulder strap 1500. In preferred embodiments, the dimension C isone-half (½) inch. Dimension D is a measure of the shoulder strap 1500folded in half (e.g., the length of a preferred embodiment of theshoulder strap 1500 may be two times the dimension D). In preferredembodiments, the dimension D is eighteen and one-half (18.5) inches, oreighteen and five-eighths (18⅝) inches. Dimension E is a measure of thesleeve 1100 folded in half (e.g., the length of a preferred embodimentof the sleeve 1100 may be two times the dimension E). In preferredembodiments, the dimension E is eighteen and one-half (18.5) inches, oreighteen and five-eighths (18⅝). Dimension F is a measure from thebottom edge 1200 of the sleeve 1100 to the start of the compressionthreading 1800. In preferred embodiments, the dimension F may be three(3) inches or two and seven eights (2⅞) inches. Dimension G may be ameasure of the top 1300 stitching. In preferred embodiments, thedimension G may be one and one-half (1.5) inch. Dimension H may be themeasure between the opening 1600 and the opening 1551 of the pocket1550. In preferred embodiment, the dimension H may be two (2) inches ortwo and one eighth (2⅛) inches. Dimension I may be the dimension of theopening 1551. In preferred embodiments, the dimension I may be five andone-fourth (5.25) inch. Dimension J may be the distance between thebottom 1200 of the sleeve 1100 and the bottom 1520 of the shoulder strap1500. In preferred embodiments, the dimension J is three and one half(3.5) inches or three and five-eighths inches. All dimensions can beplus or minus a half (½) inch.

Suitably, the disclosed neonate medical wrap may be used in at least thefollowing four (4) situations: 1. by a parent after (includingimmediately after) vaginal delivery of a newborn baby; 2. by a parentafter (including immediately after) delivery of a baby via CesareanSection (“C-section”); 3. by a parent while a baby is treated in aneonatal intensive care unit of a hospital; and 4. by a parent at homeand a post-hospital setting, including for the first twenty-eight (28)days after the baby's birth. FIG. 14 is an environmental view of thewrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 13, where the strap 1500 is around thetorso of a parent 2000. FIG. 15 is another environmental view of thewrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 13, where the strap 1500 is over theshoulder of the parent 2000. FIG. 16 is yet another environmental viewof the wrap 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 13, where the strap 1500 is aroundthe torso of the parent 2000 while the baby 3000 is positioned in a frogpose. FIG. 17 is a zoom-in of a baby 3000 in the wrap 1000.

Suitably, a baby 3000 may be positioned so that its body is fullyaligned with the parent's 2000 body on his or her chest (e.g., in a froglegged position where the baby's arms on its sides (see FIG. 16)). Inone embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the baby's 300 cheek may be positionedon the parent's 2000 chest in a position proximate to the parents chinand lips (not shown in FIG. 17) so that the parent 2000 is able to bendhis or her neck down and kiss the baby's 3000 forehead. FIG. 17B is aninside view of the wrap 1000 of FIG. 17A. Referring to FIGS. 17A and17B, the wrap 1000 may feature a sweatband 1310 along the upper rim 1300for the length the wrap 1000 when unfurled with the zipper 1600 undone(as shown in FIG. 17B). Suitably, the sweat band 1310 (a) is configuredto help with placement of the wrap 1000 so that it is restricted frommovements and (b) is further configured to provide softness to aninfant's 3000 head and cheek (see FIG. 17A).

As shown in FIG. 14 or 15, the secondary shoulder strap or sling 1500may suitably be wrapped around the parent's 2000 torso (FIG. 14) orwrapped over the parent's 2000 shoulder (FIG. 15) for added supportwhile sitting or lying in bed. While the baby 3000 is installed, theparent 2000 can suitably relax and recover in a substantially hands-freemanner while maintaining skin-to-skin contact with the baby atsubstantially all times.

Suitably, the wrap 1000 may also be worn in a standing position.Initially, after the wrap 1000 is outfitted as described above, a parent2000 may tuck their arm into the shoulder strap 1500 to allow theshoulder strap 1500 to slide up the arm and over half of the shoulder(FIG. 15). Preferably, the bottom part 1520 of the shoulder strap 1500will support the underneath of the baby's 3000 buttocks and back. In oneembodiment, the baby's weight can be well distributed across parent's2000 back to maintain excellent posture and support without causingstrain. Such positioning of the wrap 1000 can suitably enable a parent2000 to walk freely with both hands substantially free, as well as (inthe case of a mother) maintain proper post-pregnancy posture until herbody has time to recover. Such positioning of the wrap can also allow aparent to have both hands substantially free to catch the baby in caseof falls or to block projectile objects (not shown) from contact withthe baby 3000. Suitably, a parent and baby can co-sleep (i.e., sleeptogether) in a bed where the wrap can prevent baby falls or babysuffocation from the bedding. A lactating parent 3000 can alsobreastfeed while wearing the garment.

As shown in FIG. 18, the wrap 1000 may be worn in order to harness andrestrain a newborn during ambulance transports involving the newborn andhis or her guardian. In particular, the wrap 1000 may be used for safeand secure multi-patient ambulance or other ground transport to minimizerisk of injury. The wrap 1000 provides close proximity for a transportteam to assess and continually monitor a guardian and newborn duringtransport. The material of the wrap exhibits antimicrobial/anti-odorproperties, thermoregulatory properties to help reduce the risk ofhypothermia, 4-way stretch properties that absorb energy from impacts inconjunction with the impact mitigation provided by the mother's chest,and support for the newborn's head and neck. The wrap also permitstubes/lines to pass through to the baby so as not to hinder medicaltreatment during transport. Such positioning of the baby to the motherenabled by the wrap during ambulance transports minimizes the risk ofinjury and provides close proximity for a transport team to assess andcontinually monitor mother and newborn during transport. Suitably, thewrap supports the newborn limbs close to the torso in a frog-leggednatural anatomical/in utero position while leaving the newborn's facevisible so that the mother and transport tam can easily monitorbreathing. Further, the harnessing of the newborn by the wrap eliminatesa separate transport alternative, a practice that is clinically provento cause emotional distress. Other advantages include: transport ofguardian and newborn together to decrease stress; suitable for infantsand newborns from between 4 to 14 lbs (1.8-6.3 kg); monitor of newbornface and breath by the guardian and transport team since face isvisible; support of the newborn's neck; support of the newborn's limbsclose to the guardian's torso in a frog-legged natural anatomical/inutero position; absorb impact energy applied to newborn during a wreckbecause of the 4-way stretch capability of the wrap 1000; access to 60lb test zipper with eye hook closures for added security; placementtubes or other medical lines to pass through the wrap 1000; reduction ofhypothermia; reduction of odor and microbial properties; and compact.

FIGS. 8 and 14 through 18 and the following examples further illustratethese uses.

Example 1—vaginal delivery of a newborn: In a first example, immediatelyprior to vaginal delivery of a baby 2000, a nurse or midwife (not shown)may assist the mother-to-be 3000 in outfitting the neonate medical wrap1000 prior to the start of child-birth so that the newborn baby 3000 maybe quickly placed inside the wrap 1000 against the mothers skin 1000, asshown.

Example 2—C-section delivery of a newborn: In a second example, before aC-section, a nurse or midwife (not shown) may assist a mother-to-be 2000in outfitting the wrap 1000 after a spinal anesthesia (not shown) hasbeen placed on the mother-to-be 2000. Elaborating on the second example,the wrap 1000 may be placed on the delivery table (not shown) so that,after the spinal anesthesia (not shown) is placed and the mother-to-be2000 laid down on table (not shown), the nurse or midwife (not shown)may place the wrap 1000 on the mother 2000.

In both examples 1 and 2, early positioning of the wrap 1000 on themother-to-be 2000 enables the wrap 1000 to acclimate to her 2000 bodytemperature whereby (after the baby 3000 is born, its umbilical cord(not shown) is clamped, and its skin is wiped down) the garment 1000 canbe partially uninstalled (see FIG. 11) to place the newborn baby 2000against the mother 2000. Once the baby 2000 is placed against themother, then the claps can be reinstalled and the zipper fully zippedplus placed in a locked position.

Example 3—NICU use up to twenty-eight days post delivery: In a thirdexample, the wrap 1000 may be used in the NICU as well for kangaroocare. Continuing the third example, the garment 1000 can enableplacement of the baby 3000 on a parent's 2000 upper chest while anymedical tubes (not shown), lines (not shown), or other equipment (notshown) can be managed while attached to the baby 3000. It should benoted that the 99% pure metallic silver threading 1900 may be especiallygood in the NICU since the chance of contracting MRSA, VRE andnosocomial infections double after being treated in the NICU.

Example 4—at home use: In a fourth example, the neonate medical wrap canbe used in the home after NICU use, including for use on a baby duringthe first twenty-eight (28) days after birth.

Example 5—in vehicle use: in a fifth example the wrap may be worn by aguardian in the midst of a medical or other transport.

Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of variousexemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood thatthe various features, aspects and functionality described in one or moreof the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability tothe particular embodiment with which they are described, but insteadmight be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more ofthe other embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, whether ornot such embodiments are described and whether or not such features arepresented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadthand scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of theabove-described embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or thelike, and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that mightbe available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use ofthe term “assembly” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, might be combined ina single package or separately maintained and might further bedistributed across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporatedby reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

I claim:
 1. A neonate medical wrap comprising: a torso sleeve; and, ashoulder strap.
 2. The neonate medical wrap of claim 1 wherein theshoulder strap and torso sleeve generally form concentric fabric loopsor tubes.
 3. The neonate medical wrap of claim 2 wherein the shoulderstrap and torso sleeve are joined along a mutual opening down the sideof the concentric loops or tubes.
 4. The neonate medical wrap of claim3, wherein: the loop or tube formed by the torso sleeve features anupper rim and a lower rim; and, the loop or tube formed by the shoulderstrap features an upper rim and a lower rim.
 5. The neonate medical wrapof claim 4, where the shoulder strap features a pocket with a zipperedopening, said pocket for the retention of various baby related items. 6.The neonate medical wrap of claim 3, wherein the mutual opening ispreferably selectively closeable via a zipper and features a secondaryclasp.
 7. The neonate medical wrap of claim 6, wherein a zipper head ofthe zipper may be locked in place at the top rim of the sleeve via azipper lock or flap.
 8. The neonate medical wrap of claim 7, wherein thetorso sleeve features patterned compression threading.
 9. The neonatemedical wrap of claim 8 wherein the torso sleeve features silverthreading.
 10. A method of securing a baby, the method comprising thesteps of: a. placing a neonate medical wrap around the torso of aparent, where the neonate medical wrap comprises: a torso sleeve; ashoulder strap; wherein the shoulder strap and torso sleeve generallyform conjoined fabric loops or tubes; wherein the shoulder strap andtorso sleeve are joined along a mutual opening down the side of theconcentric loops or tubes, wherein the loop or tube formed by the torsosleeve features an upper rim and a lower rim; and, wherein the loop ortube formed by the shoulder strap features an upper rim and a lower rim;b. opening the mutual opening; c. placing a baby on a chest of thewearer; and d. closing the mutual opening so that the sleeve andshoulder strap are around both the torso of the parent and a body of thebaby and so that the head of the baby is exposed at the upper rim of thetorso sleeve.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the stepof: e. sliding a portion of the the upper rim of the shoulder strap overthe shoulder of the parent while at least a portion of the lower rim ofthe shoulder strap is positioned under a buttocks of the baby.